BACKGROUND: Conducting research on the work outcomes of first episode
psychosis (FEP) samples may extend our understanding of the factors
associated with the work outcome of people with schizophrenia and other
psychotic illnesses.
OBJECTIVE: To conduct a detailed study of the work outcome of an FEP sample.
METHODS: Members of a FEP cohort, who had completed a 12-year clinical
outcome assessment, were invited to participate in an adjunctive work
outcome study. Engagement in paid and non-paid work was first established
and the relationship with potentially influential baseline characteristics
investigated. Subsequently the influence of work outcome to participants'
level of quality of life, mental health, recovery, and social inclusion were
examined.
RESULTS: Among the 38 participants the mean percentage of time spent in work
was 62% of which 50% was in paid work and 12% was in non-paid work.
Being employed at inception was the only independent predictor of the
duration of the follow-up period spent in work. Relationships between work
outcome and all measures of wellbeing were found.
CONCLUSION: The paid and non-paid work attained by people affected by a
psychotic illness played an important role in the extent of their wellbeing,
recovery, and social inclusion.
